Egbewole tasks students on centenary
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has challenged students of the institution to strive for excellence in their various disciplines as a vital step towards building a strong foundation for the institution’s centenary celebration in 50 years’ time.
Prof. Egbewole gave this charge last Tuesday (November 25, 2025) during an interactive session with student leaders, themed “Laying the Foundation: From the 50th Anniversary to the Centenary”. The interactive session was one of the key activities that marked the University’s Golden Jubilee.
Speaking on the theme, the Vice Chancellor stated that the future of the University of Ilorin depends significantly on the quality of students it produces today. He pointed out that to prepare for the next 50 years, students must excel in their various disciplines, adding that it is only when they excel that they would be able to tell the institution’s story in the next half-century.
Prof. Egbewole urged the students to acquire the best possible training during their stay in the University, equip themselves with all the necessary abilities they will need after their studentship and present themselves as worthy ambassadors of the University, just as exemplified by the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu and a former UNILORIN Student Union’s President, Ambassador Lukman Shobowale.
While encouraging the students to remain connected to the University even after graduation by building strong networks among themselves, he explained that such networks are essential for personal growth, institutional development, and future collaborations. As an example, he cited how a single phone conversation between Dr. Akanmu and Ambassador Shobowale resulted in the donation of 250-bed space hostel to the University.
Explaining the importance of the interactive session, the Vice Chancellor said the student leaders own the celebration as representatives of the student body, and the engagement is expected to lay the foundation for the University’s centenary celebration. He noted that while many members of the current administration may not be present in the next 50 years due to the natural progression of life, many of today’s students will likely be around to witness and lead the centenary celebration. He said this underscores the importance of their roles in shaping the University’s future.
Speaking earlier, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the opportunity to host the interactive session with the student leaders as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Dr Akanmu described the occasion as both unique and historic, noting that despite having participated in several milestone celebrations of the University including the 25th, 30th, 40th, and now the 50th anniversaries, this is the first time a sitting Vice Chancellor has held a direct interactive engagement with students during an anniversary celebration.
He said this gesture by the Vice Chancellor underscores the Administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, student development, and shared ownership of the institution’s future.
Meanwhile, a former Student Union President and CEO/Co-Founder of Dukiya Investment, Lukman Shobowale, challenged the students to cultivate a global mindset and strive for excellence beyond local boundaries. He said that true scholarship is measured not by one’s environment or nationality, but by the ability to excel on a global stage.
Mr Shobowale urged the students to ensure that whatever they do, whether proposal writing, public speaking, innovation, entrepreneurship, or any other skill, must be refined enough to appeal to people across continents. He added that the world has become a global village where students must compete not only with peers in Nigeria but also with counterparts in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, London, and other major cities.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Shobowale said his days in the Student Union at the University of Ilorin ignited his passion for leadership and significantly boosted his confidence. This confidence, he revealed, played a crucial role in his success during his visa interview and subsequently in his international engagements.
Also speaking at the event, a former Sub-Dean of Student Affairs and current Director of the Institute of Education, Prof. AbdulRaheem Yusuf, urged the student leaders to commit themselves to nurturing a University of Ilorin that will not only attain its centenary but will do so with pride and distinction.
As the University transitions from its 50th anniversary toward the next 50 years, Prof. Yusuf challenged the student leaders to become the generation that strengthens the institution’s foundation, by being one that will be remembered for discipline, innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to impactful leadership. He encouraged them to rise above the usual focus on elections and student politics by choosing projects, programmes, and policies that build enduring legacies and uplift those who will come after them.
Drawing from his experience as a former Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Yusuf added that the next chapter of the University of Ilorin belongs to all stakeholders. He said that collective success is only possible when individuals commit themselves wholeheartedly to the growth and development of their institution.